14 days in North Island Itinerary

The largest and most populous city in New Zealand, Auckland combines a rich history and thriving contemporary culture in an abundance of museums, art galleries, and performance venues.

Kick off your visit on the 23rd (Mon): stop by Pauanesia and then enjoy breathtaking views from SkyTower. Here are some ideas for day two: learn about all things military at Auckland Museum, thenenjoy the thrill of live dance at SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton's Aquarium, and then indulge your senses at some of the top wineries in the area.

To see where to stay, ratings, more things to do, and other tourist information, use the Auckland day trip planning website.

Patong, Thailand to Auckland is an approximately 20-hour flight. The time zone difference moving from Indochina Time to New Zealand Standard Time is 5 hours. When traveling from Patong in December, plan for cooler days in Auckland, with highs around °C, while nights are a bit cooler with lows around °C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 24th (Tue) to allow time to drive to Paihia.

The main tourist town in the Bay of Islands area, Paihia gives visitors a good range of accommodations, a convenient town center, long sandy beaches, and interesting architecture.

Start off your visit on the 25th (Wed): surround yourself with nature on a nature and wildlife tour, thencontemplate the long history of Waitangi Treaty Grounds, and then see some colorful creatures with a scuba or snorkeling tour. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 26th (Thu): identify plant and animal life at Paihia Harbour and then see majestic marine mammals with a dolphin and whale watching tour.

To see maps, photos, traveler tips, and other tourist information, read our Paihia trip planner.

Traveling by car from Auckland to Paihia takes 3 hours. Alternatively, you can fly; or take a bus. Cap off your sightseeing on the 26th (Thu) early enough to travel to Waitomo Caves.

Head deep beneath the surface of the earth at Waitomo Caves, a village and cave system that draws both extreme sports enthusiasts and those wanting something a little more relaxed.

On the 27th (Fri), explore the fascinating underground world of Waitomo Glowworm Caves, thenexplore the fascinating underground world of Ruakuri Cave, and then trek along Ruakuri Walk. Here are some ideas for day two: Head underground at Caveworld, relax and float downstream with a rafting and tubing tour, and then get outside with Waitomo Clay Birds.

For maps, where to stay, traveler tips, and more tourist information, refer to the Waitomo Caves tour builder tool.

You can do a combination of taxi and flight from Paihia to Waitomo Caves in 4.5 hours. Other options are to drive; or fly. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 28th (Sat) so you can travel to Whakapapa.

The country's largest ski resort brings winter sports enthusiasts from all over New Zealand, while a series of short volcano walks as well as numerous alpine crossings make it easy to hike on your Whakapapa trip throughout the year.

Kick off your visit on the 29th (Sun): take in the dramatic scenery at Taranaki Falls, admire the sheer force of Tawhai Falls, and then trek along Tongariro Alpine Crossing. Here are some ideas for day two: catch a ride with Tongariro Crossing Shuttles and then trek along Horsemtrails.

To find more things to do, photos, maps, and tourist information, go to the Whakapapa driving holiday planning site.

You can drive from Waitomo Caves to Whakapapa in 2.5 hours. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 30th (Mon) so you can travel to Rotorua.

Surrounded by lakes and featuring impressive areas of geothermal landscape, the city of Rotorua offers an otherwordly landscape and a welcoming, peaceful environment, with the culture of the native Maori people very much in the foreground.

You'll find plenty of places to visit near Rotorua: Hobbiton Movie Set (in Hinuera) and Taupo (Adrenaline & Extreme Tours, Huka Falls Walkway, &more). There's lots more to do: kick your exploration up a notch at some of the top local zipline courses and adventure parks, delve into the lush surroundings at Redwoods, Whakarewarewa Forest, take in the natural beauty of Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland, and steep yourself in history at Te Puia.

For where to stay, traveler tips, other places to visit, and tourist information, you can read our Rotorua travel planner.

Drive from Whakapapa to Rotorua in 2.5 hours. Expect a daytime high around °C in December, and nighttime lows around °C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 2nd (Thu) so you can travel to Wellington.

Wellington, the world's southernmost capital city and New Zealand's second most populous urban area, combines the nation's rugged history and nature with its modern and cosmopolitan present.

Start off your visit on the 3rd (Fri): get a sense of history and politics at New Zealand Parliament, thenadmire the natural beauty at Wellington Botanic Garden, thentake a memorable ride with Wellington Cable Car, and finally examine the collection at Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa.

To see where to stay, maps, other places to visit, and more tourist information, you can read our Wellington day trip planning app.

Traveling by flight from Rotorua to Wellington takes 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. In January, plan for daily highs up to °C, and evening lows to °C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 4th (Sat) so you can travel back home.